Connecticut Senate Bill SB00760

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/19
• Refer: 1/29/19

Caption

An Act Establishing A Task Force To Provide And Analyze Data Concerning Inmates Established As Chronically Mentally Ill.

Impact

The intended outcome of SB00760 is to use the insights gained from the task force's analysis to inform potential reforms in the way inmates who are mentally ill are managed within the prison system. By identifying any patterns in sentencing and program accessibility, the task force could uncover systemic issues that may contribute to the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. If successful, the bill has the potential to lead to legislative changes that enhance support for mentally ill inmates and promote their successful transition back into the community.

Summary

SB00760 is a proposed legislation aimed at establishing a task force dedicated to collecting and analyzing data related to inmates who are classified as chronically mentally ill. The bill addresses the need for better understanding and examination of how this specific population of inmates is treated within the correctional system. Among its objectives, the task force will focus on the number of inmates identified as chronically mentally ill, the duration of their sentences compared to other inmates, and their access to rehabilitation programs designed to facilitate their reintegration into society.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB00760 may likely center on the allocation of resources for the proposed task force and the implications of its findings. Advocates for mental health reform see the need for focused attention on inmates with chronic mental illnesses as crucial for improving outcomes and reducing recidivism rates. However, critics may raise concerns about the feasibility of data collection and whether the findings would lead to substantive policy changes or merely serve as a study without subsequent action. Overall, the establishment of such a task force may stir debate on the balance between maintaining public safety and addressing the needs of those with mental health challenges in the prison system.